driving-wheel

The engineer adjusts the driving-wheel of the locomotive.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Primary mechanical meaning: "driving-wheel" refers to a wheel in a machine or vehicle that receives power directly from the engine or motor and transmits motion to other parts, especially in locomotives or industrial machinery.
   • Figurative meaning: In a metaphorical sense, "driving-wheel" can denote a central or crucial component that propels a system, process, or organization forward.

Usage Examples

• (The wheel that receives direct power from the engine.)
• (The wheel that initiates motion.)
• (Figurative: the essential force that drives progress.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be the driving-wheel": to be the primary source of momentum or direction.

  • Her leadership was the driving-wheel behind the company's expansion. (She was the main force pushing the company forward.)

• "driving-wheel assembly": a group of parts including the driving-wheel and its axle.

  • The driving-wheel assembly must be lubricated regularly to prevent wear. (The mechanical unit containing the driving-wheel.)

Variants and Related Words

• Drive wheel (n): an alternative spelling of "driving-wheel," often used in technical contexts.
  • The drive wheel on the tractor was damaged. (The wheel that drives the tractor.)
• Driven wheel (n): a wheel that receives motion from the driving-wheel, not directly from the engine.
  • The rear wheels of a front-wheel-drive car are driven wheels. (Wheels that are turned by the driving-wheel.)

Synonyms

• Drive wheel: the same mechanical component.
• Power wheel: a wheel that transmits power (less common).
• Main wheel: a wheel that is central to motion (less precise).

Related Idioms

• The driving force: a person or thing that provides the main energy or motivation.
  • She was the driving force behind the charity event. (Similar to "driving-wheel" in a metaphorical sense.)
• Put the wheels in motion: to start a process or project.
  • The manager put the wheels in motion for the new campaign. (Begin the process, not directly related to a specific wheel.)

Phrasal Verbs (None applicable)

• No common phrasal verbs are formed directly from "driving-wheel," as it is a compound noun.